Pennsaid

The usual adult dose of diclofenac topical solution is 40 drops applied to the knee 4 times daily at evenly spaced time intervals, or 50 drops applied to the knee 3 times daily at evenly-spaced time intervals.

Apply it only to clean, dry skin.

• Squeeze 10 drops of diclofenac topical solution into the hand or directly onto the knee.
• Spread the solution evenly around the front, back, and sides of the knee.
• Repeat this procedure until 40 drops (if you are using it 4 times daily) or 50 drops (if you are using it 3 times daily) have been applied and the knee is completely covered.
• To treat the other knee, repeat the procedure.
• Allow several minutes for the medication to dry.
• Wash your hands after applying the medication, and avoid contact with eyes or mucous membranes.

Do not apply the medication to infected, abraded, or open skin. Do not use dressings that do not breathe on top of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) is for external use only and should not be taken by mouth. It should not be used for longer than 3 months.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not administer a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) is available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may not be available in all of the forms listed here. The forms available for the specific brand you have searched are listed under "What form(s) does Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) come in?"

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause spots or redness of the skin; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun; it can cause dryness of the skin; it may cause a reaction at the application site. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Each mL of clear odourless liquid contains Diclofenac Sodium 1.5% w/w in a solution base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: dimethyl sulfoxide, glycerine, propylene glycol, ethanol, and purified water.

Diclofenac topical solution should not be used by anyone who:

• is allergic to diclofenac or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• is a child
• is currently taking other NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
• is pregnant or breast-feeding
• currently has or has recently had inflammatory diseases of the stomach or intestines, such as a stomach or intestinal ulcer or Ulcerative Colitis
• has had an allergic reaction to Asa or other anti-inflammatory medications
• has severely impaired or deteriorating kidney function
• has significant liver impairment or liver disease

There may be an interaction between diclofenac and any of the following:

• Acetaminophen
• alcohol
• bisphosphonates (e.g., Alendronate, etidronate, Pamidronate, Risedronate, Zoledronic Acid)
• corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone)
• Cyclosporine
• Desmopressin
• Digoxin
• fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., Ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin)
• herbal medications that affect blood clotting (e.g., ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, ginseng, glucosamine)
• lithium
• medications for Diabetes (e.g., insulin, Glyburide, Gliclazide)
• medications for high blood pressure (e.g., Ramipril, Atenolol)
• medications that affect blood clotting, such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin), Clopidogrel, Enoxaparin, Dalteparin, Heparin, lepirudin, Tinzaparin, or Warfarin

• medications used to treat stomach or intestinal ulcers, reflux, or excessive acidity (e.g., Ranitidine, Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole)
• Methotrexate
• other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, Ketorolac)
• other products containing diclofenac
• Pemetrexed
• Pentoxifylline
• Phenytoin
• probenecid
• SSRIs (e.g., Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Sertraline)
• Sulfinpyrazone
• Tacrolimus
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Doxepin, Imipramine)
• Voriconazole

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical).

Asthma: People who have or have had asthma should discuss with their doctor how Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have any unusual difficulty breathing while using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), contact your doctor immediately.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Some people have reported headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion while using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Avoid operating motor vehicles and doing other potentially hazardous activities until you have determined how Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) affects you.

Hepatic porphyria: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may trigger an attack in people with a liver condition known as hepatic porphyria. People with this condition should discuss with their doctor how Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Infection: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may mask some of the signs of infection, such as Fever.

Kidney function: People with reduced kidney function may need lower doses and more frequent medical checkups while using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical).

Liver function: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may cause liver problems. If you have a liver condition, you may need more frequent checkups with your doctor. If you develop signs of a liver problem (such as yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, or itchy skin), stop taking the medication and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Stomach: Stomach ulcers and bleeding from the stomach have been known to occur when diclofenac is taken by mouth. These complications can occur at any time and are sometimes severe enough to require immediate medical attention. Although these reactions have not been known to occur with diclofenac topical solution, you should seek medical attention immediately if you notice any signs of bleeding (such as dark, tarry stools, blood in the stools, or vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds).

Sun sensitivity: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. While you are using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), avoid excessive sun exposure, including tanning beds and sun lamps. If you experience Sunburn with itching, swelling, and blistering, stop using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) and contact your doctor.

Vision: Other medications in the same family as diclofenac may cause vision changes such as blurred or decreased vision. If you notice vision changes, stop using the medication and check with your doctor.

Pregnancy: Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while using Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical), stop using it immediately and call your doctor.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if diclofenac topical solution passes into breast milk. Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) is not recommended for breast-feeding women.

Children: Diclofenac topical solution should not be used by children.

Seniors: Seniors may have a higher risk of side effects with Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical). Seniors may need lower doses of Pennsaid (Diclofenac-topical) and more frequent medical checkups.

This clear and odourless liquid must be applied on dry normal skin. Pour 10 drops in your hand or directly on the knee and apply it evenly on the front, back and sides of the knee. Repeat this operation for a total of 40 drops and allow the skin to dry for several minutes. If needed, repeat the procedure for the other knee. After the application, thoroughly wash your hands. This medication is typically used 4 times a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Depending on the treated condition, it may be used regularly or only as needed. Follow the instructions provided by your health care professional. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed.